Tuesday, December 31, 2013

A couple comments got me curious about characters that are virgins and the reality of it. So I'm asking yall to chime in and fill out this quick survey. It's completely anonymous and will only take a couple minutes at most.

I'm shooting for 500 replies and am at about 225 right now. And yall have been amazing! I've laughed with some of yall (yall have such good humor over this) and teared up at a few replies as well. Men yall can answer too! A few already have!!

Results will be compiled into a post for January! I think yall will be really surprised by what people are saying!

Thanks so much for participating. And if you can please share this with your friends, with readers you know and if you have fan pages I'd be eternally grateful if yall shared it as well. You can find the original FB post HERE if you'd like to share that.

Our last author of 2013!! And it's Kate Douglas who is just an awesome lady and writes sexy para romances. Mmm. She's chatting today about some pretty exciting changes in 2014! Check out what she has going on and leave her some comment love to ring in the New Year! Oh. And she's offering a giveaway with her post (and an ARC for her next release!)! So be sure to comment. She's got some goodies in the grand prize drawing too because she's just all kinds of awesome :)

Romy Sarika has known only pain and perversion since her mother was murdered twenty years earlier. But Romy’s mother died as a wolf, and her genetic legacy is part of Romy’s life—if only she can learn to call on that other half of herself.
Jace Wolf and Gabe Cheval are on their annual survey of wild wolf packs in the Pacific Northwest, but when Jace uses his abilities to heal a badly injured wolf, he makes an unexpected discovery—the wolf is a shapeshifter. Jace, and Gabe are there as Romy learns to embrace her newfound heritage—one ruled by desire and needs she is only now beginning to understand. But will the power of the pack be enough to fight the evil force that wants Romy for its own?

Thanks so much for the chance to turn
your blog into my personal soapbox for the day! I have a lot going
on, beginning with the biggest change in my career in MANY years. For
the first time in many years, I am heading into the New Year without
a contract from a traditional publisher—it’s exciting and scary
as hell, though at this point, the excitement is winning. So what’s
coming?

Monday, December 30, 2013

Morning lovelies! We've got Sophie Barnes joining us today with a fun post about her latest heroine Lady Rebecca. See if you can guess which fun fact about Rebecca is a lie and which are the truths! There's a great giveaway going as well so check that out at the end! ~Anna

Lady Rebecca is determined to find a husband on her own terms, rather than marry any of the aging suitors her greedy aunt and uncle foist upon her. Her chance comes at the Kingsborough Ball, where she meets several potential grooms…yet no one compares to the dangerously handsome Daniel Neville.

Daniel Neville, notorious rake and heir to the Marquis of Wolvington, is in need of a bride, but finding a lady who’s willing to accept his past, is an entirely different matter. When he spies a stunning woman across the ballroom, Daniel believes he’s found her…until scandal erupts around them. How can he convince Rebecca to take a chance on him…and on the love that could be theirs forever after?

Morning chickadees! Cara Connelly's joining us today for an interview! She's a new to me author and one I just loved! The Wedding Favor was an awesome enemies to lovers/fake mates romance. Totally loved it. Anywho! Check out our chat and leave her some love!
ReviewThe Wedding Favor

Tyrell Brown wanted to get the hell out of Houston and back to his ranch. Instead, he’s stuck on a flight to France for his best friend’s wedding. To top it off, he discovers he’s sharing a seat with Victoria Westin, the blue-eyed, stiletto-heeled lawyer who’s been a thorn in his side for months.Victoria can’t believe it! How can she be at the same wedding as this long, lean cowboy with a killer smile? So what if they shared a few in-flight cocktails, some serious flirting, and a near-miss at the mile-high club? She still can’t stand the man!The wedding disaster’s in the rear view, but the sizzle between these two is still red-hot. They tried to be on their best behavior in France, but back in the States all bets are off . . .Type: Contemporary RomanceHeat: 3 out of 5Rating: 4 out of 5

Hi Cara! Welcome to herding cats & burning soup! We're so excited to have you joining us today.

Hi Anna! Thanks for including me in Authors for the Holidays. It’s a terrific idea and I’m so happy to be here!

Aw thanks! Alright so if you had 23 seconds or less to hook someone what would you tell them about Tyrell and Victoria's story?

Take one funny, laid-back, sexy cowboy and stick him in a wedding party with the uptight, smarty-pants, insecure lawyer he thinks he can’t stand. Have them fake a flirtation for the sake of the bride and groom. Then stand back and watch the fireworks!

Tyrell Brown wanted to get the hell out of Houston and back to his ranch. Instead, he’s stuck on a flight to France for his best friend’s wedding. To top it off, he discovers he’s sharing a seat with Victoria Westin, the blue-eyed, stiletto-heeled lawyer who’s been a thorn in his side for months.

Victoria can’t believe it! How can she be at the same wedding as this long, lean cowboy with a killer smile? So what if they shared a few in-flight cocktails, some serious flirting, and a near-miss at the mile-high club? She still can’t stand the man!

The wedding disaster’s in the rear view, but the sizzle between these two is still red-hot. They tried to be on their best behavior in France, but back in the States all bets are off . . .

Bwhaha *rubs hands together* The Wedding Favor...It. Was. Awesome! There was so much drama-fied goodness as enemies Victoria and Tyrell--who've been on opposite sides of a court case--have to suck it up, pretend they like each other and flirt their asses off to keep from ruining their friend/brother's wedding weekend.

So, last year I found Vanessa Kelly's His Mistletoe Bride. And it was total book love. She writes incredible historicals AND she also writes hot contemporary sports romances with her hubby as VK Sykes! How neat is that? She's just a sweet lady too and she's stopping by today with her favorite things about Christmas. And she's giving away not only a copy of His Mistletoe Bride but an ARC of her January release! Woot! Show her some love and leave her some pretty comments :)

Accomplished spy Aden St. George prefers to stay away from the frivolous ton, especially after the way his mother was used by the Prince Regent. But his latest mission compels him to guard unconventional, vibrant Lady Vivien Shaw. Rescuing her from kidnappers was easy. Resisting her beauty is not. Duty demands he keep an eye on her—and naturally, his lips soon follow. For someone who views entanglements as a weakness, this is pure, delicious folly…

Though grateful for Aden’s help, Vivien has secrets she must keep hidden. Yet with her abductors still at large, she needs Aden’s protection almost as much as she craves his touch…

Friday, December 27, 2013

Woot! Happy Friday chicklets! Kristine Cayne is stopping by to heat up your weekend! I flipping loved this book. It was so much fun and had some serious sexy going on too. Check out one of her favorite quotes and leave her some love! Oh and she's giving away an e-copy of Six Alarm Sexy too so check that out :) ~Anna

It’s great to be here at Herding Cats & Burning Soup today. Thank you, Anna, for inviting me to be a part of the Authors for the Holidays event. It’s been a lot of fun so far! I’ve picked an excerpt that I think works well for the Quote-tastic Meme. It’s funny and steamy all at once, as well as being a twist on the old “office-sex” cliché. Writing this scene involved many laughs and calls to my critique partner as I imagined poor William’s predicament. I hope you enjoy it.

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Happy day after Christmas!! Elizabeth Otto is joining us today! She writes...cowboys...so insta love for us. lol They're amazing cowboys too! Check out her post and leave her some Christmas love! ~Anna

After taking a job on a quiet Montana dude ranch, ex-cop Rylan Frederickson finds herself surrounded by unbelievably sexy cowboys. Too bad the one she wants is her boss...and the single dad of a four-year-old. It doesn’t matter anyway, because after a recent tragedy, there’s simply no more room in her heart.

Letting a new woman into their life is the last thing Cole Haywood wants for him and his daughter, Birdie. But as Rylan’s presence at Paint River Ranch breathes new life into his family he can’t ignore his growing attraction.

When the sparks between them turn into fireworks in bed, Rylan’s torn between the family she’s lost and the one she may have found. Now she must decide if something that feels this good is worth the risk.

The first thing that
drew me to Anna’s blog was the name. Anyone who can poke fun at
herding cats, and come up with kick ass kitty graphics is OK by me!
I’m a lifelong feline lover, and the (un)lucky slave of three
wonderful (horrible) cats. Lily, the Siamese is the conniving,
100-ways-to-kill-the-humans, plotter. Ana May is the stray-turned
Queen of All Who Live, who has managed to knock down every ornament
from the lower half of the holiday tree about twenty times, and
Boobers is the old-fart who only gets up when we poke him. They are
furry tornadoes, cannon-balling through the holiday tree, licking the
cookies, batting the fudge like a hockey puck and pulling down the
stockings. The overall mayhem they cause once a year during the
holidays is nothing compared to the general shenanigans they cause
every day. In fact, the cats are so wicked, they are no longer
allowed in the same room with me while I’m writing. Here’s why:

Pepper has been hopelessly in love with her best friend’s brother, Hunter, for like ever. He’s the key to everything she’s always craved: security, stability, family. But she needs Hunter to notice her as more than just a friend. Even though she’s kissed exactly one guy, she has just the plan to go from novice to rock star in the bedroom—take a few pointers from someone who knows what he’s doing.

Her college roommates have the perfect teacher in mind. But bartender Reece is nothing like the player Pepper expects. Yes, he’s beyond gorgeous, but he’s also dangerous, deep—with a troubled past. Soon what started as lessons in attraction are turning both their worlds around, and showing just what can happen when you go past foreplay and get to what’s real…

Well, Foreplay pretty much sums it up. *nods* There was an abundance of it as Pepper sets out to get her some smexing experience with a hot bartender so she can win over the man she really loves and has wanted for years. And it was pretty damn steamy!

Welcome to the weekly meme hosted by The True Book Addict that celebrates the
wonders and sometime hilarity of cats! Join us by posting a favorite LOL cat pic you may have come across, famous cat art or even share with us pics of your own beloved cat(s). It's all for the love of cats

Bwaha yes this is the herd. Santa has come and now they can be naughty again.

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

I decided this year to do something different for our Christmas post.I'm letting YALL interview ME!!

It's always kinda funny to me when people find things out about my real life and are surprised about it so I thought I'd open it up and let yall ask me anything you've been curious about. About me, the blog, the herd, whatever it's been. It's a bit long since I tried to get everyone's questions answered.

If you have questions you're wondering about just leave them in the comments and I'll be by and check them out.

Now, I'd love to hear about YALL too! So, tell me a little about yourselves. Your herds, what you're up to for Christmas, favorite things, whatever you'd like to share!

If you're a blogger leave those links. I know a lot of yall and visit but I know there are some I've missed too.

Woot! We've got Eve Langlais joining us today! She is a flipping hoot with her paranormal romances. I'm totally smitten with her Crocs, bunnies, bears and menagerie of other shifters. They're nice and steamy too which, yeah, I love. Check out her favorite Christmas movies and leave her some comment love! ~Anna

Two’s a couple, three’s a ménage, not to mention the law. Welcome to an alternate world where the government gives tax breaks to women who choose to take on two or more men—and werewolves live amongst us.

Despite the laws encouraging polygamy, Chloe isn’t interested in a relationship with one man, let alone two. But all that changes when a werewolf client decides he wants her for more than just legal aid. He’s not alone though. Her nemesis in the courtroom, district attorney Anthony Vanderson, is also intent on seduction.

Caught between two men—naked and panting—she succumbs to passion, gets embroiled in a mystery and learns werewolves aren’t the only creatures living amongst humans.

I want to give a huge shout out to Anna for having me again. I love the readers of Herding Cats & Burning Soup. You are all supportive and truly awesome.

Today, I’d like to share with you a quote from my most recent release – Passionate Addiction, book 2 in the Reckless Beat rock star series.

Throughout the book, Gabi and Blake have disagreements on when saying, ‘I love you,’ counts. You know, like after sex, or in the effort to get sex, those words simply don’t mean anything. This is a short quote from one of those moments after an intimate scene between them.

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Love is like an avalanche. It hits hard, fast and without mercy.At least it did for me when Sculpt, the lead singer of the rock band Tear Asunder knocked me off my feet. Literally, because he’s also a fighter, illegally of course, and he taught me how to fight. He also taught me how to love and I fell hard for him. I mean the guy could do sweet, when he wasn't doing bossy, and I like sweet. Then it all shattered.Kidnapped. Starved. Beaten. I was alone and fighting to survive.When I heard Sculpt's voice, I thought he was there to save me.I was wrong.

Torn From You was quite the fucking story and not at all what I was expecting. It had my mind and emotions all over the damn place and I loved it! It's one that, well, it's hard not to go all spoilery on so lets just say it threw me for some major loops that knocked me on my ass and had me doing a full out oh.my.god. I hated characters, I loved characters. I loved to hate some of them. Contemplated neutering others with a rusty knife. I teared up. And chuckled and sighed as things moved along. And by the end I was ready to grab up the next book and cursing the fact that it's not out yet.

Ahhh so CJ Ellisson. Have yall met her? She's pretty awesome and, well, you just never know what she's gonna do...like drag you into a, um, adult toy shop during a book convention. ::snort:: She writes all kinds of goodness. Vamps, contemporaries, really just smexed up books. And they're so damn good. Anywho. She's here today to chat about her newest release that's part of the Paranormal Nights box set. It was a damn fun novella. Check it out and leave her some love! Oh! And yall know how stingy I am on giving out 5 stars? Yeah, she got TWO of them! The woman is GOOD!Reviews:Vanilla On Top--5 starsDeath's ServantVampire Vacation--5 starsJohnny Living Dangerously

The V V Inn has a ghost problem, one that requires the help of Lisa Carron, resident Alaskan grim reaper. Tasked with helping her, fledgling vampire Asa soon realizes that not only can she provide the dead a peaceful passing, but offer him solace in a way no other woman can.

Morning CJ!! Come on in! It's so nice to see you again. I kinda went into a cooking frenzy this morning so there's veggie quiche and hash brown casserole and some cinnamon roll waffles so there's all kinds of goodies to nosh on while we chat about your newest book.

Sounds
great, thank you! You are always the hostess with the mostess,
Anna—and it’s so nice to see you, too! Thank you for having me on
your blog today.

Saturday, December 21, 2013

Aaaand Larissa Ione is on the blog. Total. Reader. Girl. Squee. lol She writes awesome paranormals. She also writes (with Stephanie Tyler) as Sydney Croft. They're a bit, erm, steamier? And are just damn fun reads. If you haven't checked them out you so should. Anywho. Larissa stopped by for a little chat. Check it out and then leave her some serious comment love people.

Reaver is an angel with a past, a record, and a less-than-heavenly attitude. Powerful enough to fight alongside the fiercest battle angels-and crazy enough to risk his wings on a one-way mission to hell-he's agreed to go where no angel has ever gone before...to steal the most seductive and dangerous prize of Satan himself.

Harvester is one of the Fallen, a once-heroic angel who sacrificed her wings to work as an undercover agent in hell. But now her cover has been blown, and she's been doomed to an eternity of agonizing torture. Even if Reaver can snatch her away from Satan's lair, even if they can fight their way out of the underworld's darkest depths, there is one thing Harvester can never escape-her new found thirst for an angel's blood...

Morning Larissa! Welcome to herding cats & burning soup! It's been so cold here I thought cookies and Nutella hot chocolate would be nice for our little visit so help yourself and, well, watch the cat. She's cute as all get out but has a serious sweet tooth. lol

Thank you so much for having me! I love cookies and hot chocolate, so that sounds great!

I'll sure never turn them down. lol Okay, so, if you had 20 seconds to hook someone on Reaver what would you tell them?

I'd say: Hot, rule-breaking angel, a trip to hell, a fallen angel with a bad attitude, and hellhounds. I mean, come on, if HELLHOUNDS can't sell a book, what can?

Friday, December 20, 2013

Since finding out his father had another family on the side, Ian Dare swore to be the upstanding, responsible man his cheating parent had never been. When it comes to his relatives, he gives his all but in relationships he offers the bare minimum. But one glimpse of sensual Riley Taylor arouses his dominant and protective instincts and Ian is entranced. He will do anything to possess her … and does. But any future with Riley must include him extending an olive branch to the half-brother who is a constant reminder of the pain he’d rather forget.

Independent and always in control, Riley Taylor makes no apologies for choosing men carefully. Relationships have never been a priority and she believes herself hardened to domineering men – until she meets charismatic Ian Dare. He manages to turn a simple kiss into an all out assault on her senses and when he takes control in the bedroom, she’s stunned to discover she likes it. As their affair heats up, they soon realize they complete each other in ways neither imagined. But Riley’s past is closer than she cares to remember, and her struggles with Ian’s dominance might just cost her everything.

When I picked up Dare to Love I'd just come off an intense gritty book and was looking for a nice breather read. And Phillips, as usual, delivered with a rather unique romance that was light, easy and lifted my spirits as Riley fell for her best friend's brother...of sorts.

Woot! Tonya Burrows is joining us today. Her books... lets just say they are must reads. Sexy alphas, a little danger, some humor, kick ass women and a whole lotta steamy goodness. Must. Reads. Ladies. :) She's sharing her favorite cookie recipe and there's a little surprise in the post for yall too! Plus a giveaway for Wilde for Her! Check it out and leave her some love!! ~Anna

Former homicide detective Camden Wilde has been in love with his ex-partner, Eva Cardoso, for longer than he cares to admit. Not that it matters. She’s shoved him into the friend zone, and after living through the hell of his parents’ violent deaths, Cam’s unable to give her the idyllic life she secretly desires.

Eva’s never met a person who hasn’t let her down. Cam may be sex personified, but he’s the only man she can trust, and there’s no way she’ll risk their friendship on the off-chance they could be more. Especially not after the one scintillating night she’s trying—and failing—to forget.

When a murder-for-hire contract on his head lands Eva on his doorstep, Cam knows it’s time to put up or shut up. He’s done biding his time, and he’ll be damned if he lets the delectable detective ignore what’s between them, no matter the cost.

I love the holidays. Okay, yeah, I can do without the snow, but other than that I really enjoy the season. Christmas carols. Quality time with family, friends. Tons of oh so good food that is oh so bad for you. Every year, my family gets together and combines all three of those things for one Saturday filled with cookie-making goodness. It’s our tradition to spend the entire day making dozens of batches of Christmas cookies and then split them up at the end of the evening so everyone has some to take home for Santa’s visit. It’s always been a favorite tradition of mine because, well, who doesn’t like cookies?

So, with that in mind, I wanted to share one of my absolute favorite cookie recipes. If you like chocolate and mint together, this recipe will be your undoing. In the best possible way, of course.

FTC Disclaimer: The books I review come from a number of places...ones I have purchased, some provided by authors or publishers in exchange for honest reviews (yeah some of those get DNF'd and 1 stars too) and some I've received from friends. I'll always give yall exactly what I think regardless of how the books ended up on my shelf.

Please note we also use affiliate links via Amazon, All Romance and Book Depository. If you purchase via any of our links herding cats will receive a small commission. This costs nothing extra to you.